Apparently Fox didn’t like the name podcasts and wants to make its own name: FOXcasts. Their slogan: “Listen Now. Listenen Later. Take Them With You. You’re In Control.” The future plan seems to be to offer some original content like what comes in the DVD as special content, but so far it has mostly consisted of recaps of series and shows. Alex Williams isn’t that impressed yet:

If they do follow on the promise of exclusive interviews and offers such as pre-series recaps, then the Fox strategy seems to make more sense. They’ll be creating original work to supplement their shows. That’s not exactly ground breaking but it is using this new distribution medium a bit more creatively than the other big media players.

I just listened (no download necessary, you can one click from the webpage) to the FOXcast of Hell’s Kitchen. It starts with a short audio commercial for another FOX show and then leads into the recap. The recap was read by Michael Krogmann who is also the host of the original online series, Late Night FOX show. Krogmann’s voice is clear and the recap is strong for the final episode. I enjoyed the production.

I also listened to The Simpsons July 31, Future-Drama which started with a brief teaser commerical for The Prison. This recap is much shorter, of course (only a 30 minute show) and also includes a pitch to visit The Simpsons website.

There are also FOXcasts available for American Dad, Arrested Development, Family Guy, House, King of the Hill, Malcolm in the Middle, Nanny 911, The OC, The Simpsons, So You Think You Can Dance and Trading Spouses.

I’m not crazy about FOX trying to make their own brand — what’s next, NBCcasts, ABCcasts? — but the audio quality of the recaps I listened to was very good and if they do start adding some exclusive interviews and DVD-extras type content, this could catch on for them. In the day and age of PVRs I’m not sure how many people, save for hardcore fans, will care for and/or be interested in audio recaps.

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